Why do I believe what I believe?

January 20, 2010

I was asked recently to write a “short” testimony, about WHY I believe what I believe, just wanted to share it here (Mainly since I haven’t updated all year!!)

First off I should state what I believe.  I believe in the God of the Bible. The God whom ”in the beginning” created man, beasts and everything on the earth, I believe He created the earth and everything on it in 6 literal days.  I believe man is inherently sinful, that only by God’s sheer irresistible grace, and through repentance, and faith can man be restored to a right relationship with God. I believe Christ, is God in the flesh, the second person of the Trinity, He came to earth for the main purpose of redeeming mankind’s relationship to God the Father. I believe he died on the cross, was resurrected, and forever defeated death and the grave. I believe through Christ alone is salvation… 

Now WHY? 

It’s easy to say “I believe” and we can say “I believe” and truly think we believe, until a test comes, then I think we’re shown that we really didn’t believe as we though we did. 

Look around; take a glance at the world around you…. The incredible chance that would have had to take place for the only other alternative to be true (evolution) is unimaginable. Way of the master sums it up best with “if there is a design, there is a designer” illustration. But mine goes a little deeper than that… I’ve taken what I consider a relatively in-depth look at evolution, I’ve seen how they think man came from a common ancestor of the monkey, and so on.. I’ve seen their supposed “proof” and I just can’t believe that this was all an accident, that time + chance = me.  But that doesn’t answer “Why?” 

I could say I was a bad person, and now I am not… but that’s not true. I am a wretch, saved by God’s grace. I could say I was “slain in the spirit”, “spoke in tongues”, or was healed from some disease,  and thus I believe… but that’s not 100% true, and could be easily faked.  I could say during worship “I Felt God”, but feelings are hardly a reason to accept anything!! I could claim prosperity, health, miracles, and the like… but NONE of that is WHY I believe. 

I could tell you “my story” and expect you to believe, however thats not “why” I believe, I could say “God did this or that, and thus I believe” however then you see a “prosperity” message, God did this or that, and thats not the point, nor the reason I believe. We should love God no matter whether He blesses us or not, our love and adoration should not hinge on His blessings of His children. Certainly our belief shouldn’t rest on it! Job is a great example of this.

I do not believe Christianity is a religion of blind faith, the evidence is overwhelming if you open your eyes to accept it. 

Why is the “oldest” tree on earth 4,000 yrs old? Because a flood wiped out all life on the planet 4 – 6 thousand years ago. Why when men thought the earth rode on a turtles back, did the Bible say “we were hung in space on nothing”(Job 26:7). Why do ALL fossils appear at roughly the same “age” of the earth? (Cambrian explosion) Why wasn’t erosion a factor? Why are single cell organisms found in layers ABOVE multi-cell organisms? Over billions of years wouldn’t billions of animals be found in virtually every different layer of the earths crust?  (Even Darwin stated that without excessive fossil evidence his theory would crumble)

We have extra biblical writings that confirmed a man named Jesus did mighty things written by His own enemies! We have texts from across the world that can account for the darkness of the days when Christ died. Roman Emperor’s wrote of “this man called Jesus who was himself called the Christ”

Lastly, why would the apostles, who walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus every single minute of every single day for the bulk of 3 years, die for a lie? These men knew Jesus, they knew Him intimately…The records of their deaths are documented, Paul, Peter, and so on… they would have known better than anyone that He was a fake… yet they died, horrible deaths for the belief that Jesus was the Christ. 

No, there is plenty of evidence for Christ. And that being the Case, the apostles dying for Him, and his “cause”, says a lot… it says Jesus was the real deal, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life.. no man comes to the Father but through me… I have to believe Him. 

(Mthw 11:27)Christ chose to reveal to me, the Father, the truth of His word, and my eternal state without Him… and I saw utter hopelessness, utter destruction, utter despair.. 

In light of the evidence, in light of the revelation… who could refuse the gracious, undeserved, unmerited gift? So in short, I believe because the Bible is a book of facts, the Bible is a book of an actual account, of God’s divine purpose and plan for us. The Bible is an inerrant account of God’s Love of mankind, God’s Hate towards iniquity, God’s Mercy on the undeserving, and God’s wrath against the unrepentant. In light of all the evidence the question isn’t “Why do I believe” it’s “How can I not?”

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Posted by Tom

Love ‘em to death

December 7, 2009

 

Would the police have right to punish you if you were never told or shown that murder is wrong?

There is a law against it, but no one ever told you and by horrible upbringing, you never truly knew it was wrong, so one day Sven makes you really mad and you push him off a cliff, sadly Sven passes away, and you go on about it like nothing happened. Soon police detectives link you to the murder and your hauled off to jail, it’s proven that you simply didn’t know the law, however, now you’re truly sorry for breaking the law.. are you guilty? Yes, you are.  Will you be punished? Yes! You’ve been shown to have a sound mind, that you planned the murder, and carried it out. Your parents are questioned, and to the amazement of everyone they never taught you murder was wrong, because they “loved” you so much they refused to set rules for you to live by. The remaining children your parents have are taken away, and the parents are punished to the fullest extent of the law. And as they flip the switch on the electric chair your last thought is.. “I never knew”. While you’re guilty of this crime they are guilty of a worse one. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and hiding the law from other is as great an offense.

Recently I had a discussion with a Christian that he thought showing people the law of God, and their sins in that mirror was judgmental, and unbiblical. I think Romans 7:7 is in order “.. I had not known sin but by the law..” Paul the apostle, the Pharisee had not known sin but by the law… the light of the Law that Jesus expounded upon in the Sermon on the Mount shone on his heart and opened his eyes to the law of God, that he would be judged on every thought, word and deed.

This Christians view is that we should show the lost the love of Christ, and that will lead them to repentance and faith. However is that love? Is the above scenario of not telling your kids the rules love?? Absolutely not!!! How many lost people can name the 10 commandments? Not many I’ll bet… how many that can name them know their purpose? And how many got to heaven by trying to keep them? And how loving is it NOT to tell the lost about their sins…and the punishment awaiting them.

This post could go so many different ways, and lead into to so many different things, why is that? It’s because preaching a love only, law starved gospel is the root of 99% if not ALL the problems in the modern church. This is what happens when we don’t show people they’re guilt before a just and holy God, we have to “push for decisions” because the Holy Spirit has not been allowed to work in that persons life. They’ve only been shown the love of Christ, they make a decision because, well who doesn’t like love, and when the promised trials and tribulations come they fall away, or worse stay in church with a hard heart playing like they’re a Christian all the while believing they’re saved.

Is it love to not tell the person they’re a sinner? It is Judging? We’re not telling them anything, it’s by their own admission!! If I ask a murderer is he murdered a person, and he says “yes”.. am I judging him? It comes down to scripture twisting and not knowing the bible. No it’s not judging, Firstly the bible makes it clear “there are none good, no, not one” hence “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” is it judging to walk into a prison and say to the rapist “you’re guilty of rape”? Absolutely not! However, it is murder for the evangelist to walk up to a person, knowing the bible declares them guilty, and knowing the only payment for that guilt is death, and then ignore that death sentence completely…but telling the person how much they’re loved, and all the great things that God will do for them… but when they die, they’ve never repented of their sins… and they experience the deserved wrath of God. Oh how I feel for those people… because they were lied to. By “loving people” who do not understand the role of the law in evangelism, or the seriousness of the sins we have all committed, or the wrath of a Just and HOLY God. In short it isn’t “love” to hide this from the lost, it’s murder, it’s hatred, it’s selfish, it heartbreaking, it’s… heresy.

Ignorance, and “love” will condemn entire generations to the lake of fire. I can not help but think it’s fear of confrontation, perhaps conviction of something we have in ourselves that we wont let go of. In any case Ezekiel 3 says the following… if we do not warn the dying man, or speak out to dissuade him he will die in his sin… “You will surely die” is the word of the Lord.. NOT “Jesus loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” – Seriously, how I weep for those misled by the love only heresy. (Yes, Heresy)…

16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for [a] his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.
20 “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.”

In short, Presenting Law then Grace is the only way to evangelize biblically. everyting else is a man made attempt to fulfill the great commission, and please man at the same time. Kids don’t like spankings, and the truth hurts.. it hurt me when I found out I was a murderer, a liar, and a theif. But it also drove me to Christ….

Tell them the truth IN LOVE and show the “Love of Christ” by being honest, and 100% truthful with them..Don’t leave out the “bad” because you’re uncomfortable with it. Love them enough to tell them.

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Posted by Tom

Lopsided Evangelism…

December 4, 2009

Now, I am no expert on evangelism! 

Let me tell you my experience, I’ve followed evangelism and been in some way involved in it since the Lord saved me. I’ve read numerous books on the subject, and been to a few trainings on the “how to’s” of it. The first book I read was “Fire evangelism” by Dr Che Ahn (I think) I didn’t agree with most of it. The second book, was “One thing you can’t do in Heaven” by Mark Cahill, third was “The Way of the Master” by Ray Comfort, which led into the School of Biblical Evangelism, and attending Ambassadors Academy through living waters. I’ve also read “Becoming a Contagious Christian” by Bill Hybels. As well as “Evangelism in the New Testament” by Jon Speed…So I think I have a balanced view of some of the techniques involved in evangelism.  I’ll admit, lifestyle evangelism is far easier than all other kinds… after all, I am living a good life hoping someone asks me about the light that’s in me! (Not evangelism, it’s being a good witness, but not evangelism) It takes far more love and courage to walk up to someone and present the Law and Grace… 

Putting yourself out there isn’t evangelism. Putting yourself out there and actively speaking of Christ to everyone you meet might be evangelism. Are you speaking the law and grace? That’s evangelism. Are you telling only one side of the story? Law or Grace? I wouldn’t consider that evangelism, it’s a lie… Not evangelism. The real definition of evangelism is proclaiming the gospel of Christ to the people, if you’re only preaching Love, or only preaching Law, that’s not the gospel of Christ. However an equal and balanced presentation is preaching correctly, congrats that’s evangelism! This goes for food pantry’s, clothing distribution sites, etc.. if we’re not sharing the Law and Gospel DO NOT CALL IT EVANGELISM!!! Also if you’re not sharing the law and grace in those places, shame on you. How can you claim to be showing the love of Christ when you’re not telling them how to be saved, all you’re doing is sending them to hell with warm clothes, and full bellies! Share the whole gospel with them!! 

It’s obvious I don’t believe in Lifestyle evangelism, here’s why – what if you’re planning on sharing the Gospel the next day, and your friend dies the night before? How many years did you hide the gospel, the truth from your friend? It’s deceitful as well, are you making a friend only to share Christ with him? And if you’re not sharing Christ, is that person really your friend? It’s a dangerous game. Everyone has their own evangelism style, however the law and grace is the only right way… Whether you do it through tracts, open air, or one 2 ones.  Lifestyle evangelism is a fear filled, man centered response to the great commission, it’s a lie, saying that you are evangelizing, when you’re not. Friendship evangelism…? Well.. I’m up in the air on that one. I recommend the book “Evangelism in the New Testament” By Jon Speed. Decide for yourself. 

Likewise I don’t believe in preaching grace or love only. (or law only) Why? Because while God is love, how loving is it for me to ignore the law, and not present to you the mirror of the law? How can you know sin, unless the law is presented?  If we go around ONLY presenting love, then we will give the impression that God is only love. That He won’t punish sin, and that He won’t send anyone to hell.  And that’s NOT the God of the Bible.  Likewise going out and preaching ONLY law portrays God as a hate monger who wont save anyone – since this isn’t a problem that I am aware of, I am not even going to address it. 

Paul says in the Bible “I had not known sin but by the law” what’s this mean then? It means that unless we use the law, and share the law people who don’t know it, won’t know their sin before God, hence they won’t see the seriousness of their situation.  A love only gospel has produced a country full of false converts, where 80% of the nation claims Christianity, yet lives like hell Monday through Saturday, we can’t even outlaw abortion! The road is wide to hell; want to send more people there? Preach love only. Now I am not saying don’t preach love… by ALL means preach LOVE!! But balance that love with the law… show them how great that love is! Show them that they’re guilty before the Judgment seat of God, then show them how loving God is!! How HE sent HIS Son to DIE for THEM on a cross, a horrible and brutal death, only to RISE AGAIN forever defeating SIN and DEATH and that HE did ALL THIS FOR THEM.. THAT’S LOVE FRIENDS!!  Is it love to never say repent and turn? Or is it love to warn them, and say repent and turn because here’s what’s waiting if you don’t, and here’s WHO is waiting if you do! 

In short if you’re not preaching the law AND grace… you’re not preaching the bible. 

Exodus 24:12
And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.   (emphasis added) 

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. – (can we do all the law???? NO!! that’s what makes GRACE so wonderful) 

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (SHALL NOT DEPART!! IF WE FORGET THE LAW, WE’RE LAWLESS MEN AND WOMAN DESERVING OF HELL, BUT WE DON’T KNOW THAT BECAUSE THE LAW IS FORGOTTEN, YET WE’LL STILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BECAUSE IT’S THE LAW) 

Luke 16:17
And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. ( WE WILL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW, HOW HATEFUL TO NOT TELL THE LOST ABOUT IT)

**please don’t think these are the only verses that deal with the law, and presenting it, there are tons… look it up!!!

It goes on and on, to preach the gospel, without the law, is nothing short of heresy. And every preacher who does, whether they’re a street preacher, or in a pulpit should be kicked out and banned from preaching until they know the truth. AFTER they repent to those they’ve lied to, and tell them the truth. 

Harsh? Not if you’re telling the truth already. 

Ray Comfort say it far better than I can in Hells Best Kept Secret and True & False Conversion

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Posted by Tom

What are you Thankful for?

November 24, 2009

So many churches in America these days are Man Centered, and in this time of Thanksgiving we should be God centered…if there is anything we have it was given to us by our Lord and Savior, even the lost, the unsaved, the people who despise God receive His gifts on a daily basis. 

Just breathing in and out is reason to praise God of the universe for all eternity, destined for Hell, he broke the chains around your neck that was dragging you to the firey pits, and lifted you up, justified you, and saved you. Not because you deserve it, but because He loves you. Yes, I say be Thankful for THAT! 

Yes be thankful for your family, be thankful for your possessions but above all else make Thanksgiving about Christ, what better gift have you than that? 

Look at it this way, you see… it’s like the creation account. Before He saved you… you were like the earth at the beginning, formless and void. Every wind of fleshly desire that rushed by you, you were caught up in it. You’re heart was black and hated the light… until He spoke… “Let there be light” and the light of the revelation of the truth of Christ flooded your soul, mind, and heart. It may have been a mighty wave overtaking you all at once, or like a flood in the natural world, slowly enveloping your thoughts, until you see the truth.  The truth that ALL the good you could ever do will never be good enough, for Heaven. You see the truth that a lie is breaking God’s holy law, and that one single lie is enough to condemn you eternally. You see your guilt before the entire law, (The 10 commandments) and you realize that you can in NO WAY keep them.. 

Then God once again whispers into your heart, and tells you that He sent His son, Jesus to die on the cross for you. That Jesus, the perfect Son of God died a brutal death so that we wouldn’t have to. Then, Jesus was buried, and 3 days later rose again forever defeating death and the grave.  I am thankful that I am not destined to die, what can you do to be saved from eternal punishment? Nothing… 

It’s a free gift, by God’s grace and HIS Mercy alone can you be saved, if we look at the story of Jonah the Lord was going to destroy Nineveh, because of the cities grave sins against the Lord. However when Jonah preached what did the Ninavites do? did they shake their firsts at God and say “That’s not fair!!” or did they say, “Well the torah teaches the earth is flat, and where did Cain get his wife?”  no, they repented in sack cloth and ashes… and the Lord had mercy. 

Repent and turn from your sins, beg for the God of the universe to save you, to forgive your sins, realize that ONLY Christ can save you, and regardless of ALL the good works you’ve done.. they won’t wash away your sins, (Transgressions of God’s law) So repent, and trust in Christ to save you. Find a good Bible believing church and attend fellowship, then share your faith. 

 

now SALVATION is something to be thankful for!! have a great Holiday, see you early Friday morning as we hand out tracts, and witness to those brave enough to go shopping!

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Posted by Tom

Cross Walk

November 22, 2009

Sometimes you feel alone...

Well it’s always interesting when you walk with a 5ft cross, with “are you ready?” written on it.

The day started out fine, I was nervous, but was blessed to have Michele, and the rest of my family there. We decided to only stay there till 3:15 (about 45 minutes to an hour, we weren’t sure when we got there)  right off the bat two gentleman in the ROTC approached and accepted a tract,  they had questions and I pray God was glorified in the answers I gave, I also attempted to explain the gospel message to them. Being a medical recruiter for the Military, I love that I may have some part in the saving of a life. We discussed that for a little bit, and they went on their way.

After another short wait another group of three came to the cross, and asked what I was doing there, and were they ready for what? I explained that it’s appointed unto man once to die, then the judgment.. were they ready for that. They assured me they were and told me they were Christians, I asked

Christians came to see what I was doing...

them if I had three minutes to live how they tell me how to get to heaven? They shocked me with “Repent, and believe”  I’ve heard everything form “be good” to “who cares” finally a right answer, they liked that I was spreading the word, and I asked If they were. It was an encouragement to see other  Christians out there who were actively sharing their faith, correctly.

The whole time I had a few honks, and one guy flip me “the bird”. Several waves, and a thumbs up.. My wife let me know it was 3:15, but I said we should stay till 3:30 – which we did.

About then a very loud motorcycle pulled up to the light, and as I turned to look the guy was looking at me, I could tell through his helmet and visor

Angry, and drunk.... never a good combo.

without even seeing him, he was mad, and he was going to talk to me. Michele walked over near me and I said “I’m gonna have a visitor” and sure enough, he parked his bike, and walked across the street. He was on his cell phone and said “No… he’s out here with a cross that says “are you ready” dunno who he was talking to but he immediately picked out the star of David on my shirt, and let me know he was a “Jew”, told me how 6.4 million of his “kind” had died at the hands of Nazi Germany, and so on… to make a long, obscene conversation shorter he let me know he was an Atheist Missionary sent to save me from Jesus, He let me know that Jesus was simply a jew who had a great marketing gimmic, give me 10% of your money, and I’ll save you and give you everlasting life. I tried to explain his error but he would have none of that, I actually thought at one point he was going to hit me, so I let him rant and move on without saying anything. Wrong approach?? Maybe, but every encounter I have had with drunk people has not been good, why add another one. Perhaps next time he’ll be sober and we can chat.

I pray for everyone who saw the cross, and who talked to me today, Christian or not – prayer never hurt anyone!! So don’t quit, don’t be discouraged, and don’t stop sharing your faith!

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Posted by Tom

Cross Walk

November 20, 2009

 Tomorrow for the first time in a while I’ll be taking my cross out to Kimmswick “holiday” Parade. I am looking forward to conversations, and sharing the gospel with people. I do however ask for your prayers. I want to take the cross to places where it will start conversations,  however as most of you know who carry a cross, it’s “offensive” to many people – especially with words “Are you ready?” on it. It brings to mind their own mortality, and makes them realize they’re probably not. Needless to say I am a tad “nervous” 

Kimmswick is a VERY small town who’s only money comes from tourism, profiting from the history of the town Kimmswick’s streets are lined with small shops perfect for a Sunday getaway. Oddly the town has the appeal to draw more than 150,000 people every spring and fall during their annual festivals. We had participated in the fall festival this year, and while the first day was amazing, the second day they shut the preaching of the word down, and told us we were breaking the rules if we left our 10×10 space. With only a few hours left we stayed until the rain started, and headed home. That weekend we passed out literally thousands of tracts, and had hundreds of conversations. One of the chief complaints the city hall had when we spoke to them was the crosses. One man carried his around town, and I held mine near a busy street, they weren’t happy. 

 Tomorrow I am going to take it and stand along the parade route, in hopes of starting conversations about Christ. I am nervous, and a little hesitant. But it must be done. Lately I’ve been really convicted about all the pictures people take, and posting them, it could easily be seen as pride… a “look what I did” type thing. So if we take any pics, I’ll post them, but don’t expect a lot. I would actually like to get pics of my wife evangelizing, she is more than happy to take pics of me, but no one can ever return the favor. She does more than I do typically, especially in planning, photos, the “behind the scenes” stuff. She’s a blessing. 

old and new cross.

 I really would appreciate your prayers; Lord willing we should be heading out around 9:00 or 9:30 am. If anyone is in the St. Louis area and would like to join me please let me know. I honestly don’t expect a big crowd, but… ya never know.  :)

*and sorry if I stole the name of this article from someone… it is familiar, but seemed to fit.

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Posted by Tom

Are YOU a “good person”?

October 4, 2009

Are you a good person? Please watch this video..

more about "Are YOU a “good person”? ", posted with vodpod

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Posted by Tom

Are you a Christian?….. How many times have you “prayed the prayer”?

October 3, 2009

I BEG you please examine yourself! MAKE sure you’re right with God, it’s more important than your job, family, friends, or life… even moreso than your next breath! Cry out to Him, please. That’s my prayer, that the Lord would save you, and would give you that confidence that Paul mentions here. Then go and tell everyone you know… please. It’s of the utmost importance. Don’t let another second pass…

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Posted by Tom

A Christian Creed

April 9, 2009

Now I am not one for creeds normally, but having just begun working for the US Army, seeing the dedication, loyalty, etc they have.. it’s astounding, they know they are an elite group. Yes, it’s almost common to find someone who at one time was in the Armed forces, however – They respect officers, and rank, they are honest, truthful, and do what they say they will do… and I started thinking, how many in Church, how many “Christians” can say they have any of these qualities, a few can, but with supposedly something like 80% calling themselves “Christian” and we can’t even stop abortion. That’s sad, it means that somewhere along the lines there’s a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE that don’t have what it takes to be in God’s Army. is it you?

Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to God, the Holy Bible, the church, and fellow Christians (This isn’t a game were playing, you every minute is on trial, how dare you destroy a testimony of God because of a crude joke, or foul language- we’re all guilty of a slip or two, but do you stand out or blend in? if you don’t stand out there’s a problem, you can wear all the “Jesus Rocks” t-shirts you want, it wont matter if you’re blending in!!! Jewelry, T-hirts, Bracelets, etc do NOT make you a Christian)

Duty - fulfill your obligations (if you say you’re going to do it, THEN DO IT!!!)

Respect - Treat people as you would be treated (again, how many testimonies are obliterated by poor treatment, manners, or just plain rude people where is the love of Christ when you’re screaming “You’ll burn in hell for that!!!!” (yes we need to teach the law, and eternal punishment, but we don’t need to cast anyone there before God Himself judges)

Selfless Service - Philippians 2: 3 – 8 “

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”

Honor - wow, Live up to biblical values as best you can, not because you have to to “get in to heaven” but because you’re a living testimony of Christ.. how are you portraying Him?

Integrity - Do what is right, it’s that simple…sadly enough this is where Christians fail the most I fear.

Personal Courage - in being a child of God you’ll face fear, danger, and adversity both physical, and mental…how do you respond? Do you remember that “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world” or do you cower behind weak excuses, and fained ignorance?

LDRSHIP (Leader ship) every Christian should be one – if you’re not in some way, then you’re not doing it right. It’s not about being a “Billy Graham” or “Charles Spurgeon” but being a leader in your home, in your life, in your circle of influence… is that you?

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Posted by Tom

Are you Ready??

April 1, 2009

Are you ready?

Imagine you’re sitting at home, eating dinner. Now you’ve had a headache all day, but it didn’t really concern you. Without warning a vessel breaks in your brain causing a massive stroke.. You’re unable to communicate and wouldn’t know what to say if you could. As life goes on around you your family notices something is wrong and takes action. In your mind your screaming out how much you care because you know you’re dying, as all goes black, you see your spouse embrace you, look into your eyes, and whisper “I love you”

without hesitation, nor a moment passing in time your suddenly in front of God Almighty, tears flood from your eyes as you realize you’ll never see your family again… though you can’t help but think that crazy Christian at the mall was right, there is a God. A great booming voice greets you by name.. but your awestruck, you see angels singing to Him, worshiping to Him, in unapproachable light…around you is a room, seemingly walled by clouds leaving a fuzzy visibility into the adjoining rooms, occasionally a form appears, followed by a tremendous light… occasionally the forms slip into blackness. It’s then that you realize they’re all having the same conversation.. again God the Father booms “HELLO” directly to you, greeting you personally by name. Then a faint whisper says “Let it begin” suddenly a mighty book is opened and God searches intently for your name… a thick deep sadness fills the room, so as to cause you to weep uncontrollably then out of no where a question explodes from God “WHY!?” you’re shocked, stunned you dont answer, you’ve no clue what to say or how to answer and again the voice thunders “WHY SHOULD I LET YOU INTO MY REST!!!???” you hear the same voice in the other room, ask the same question, and the Light appears, and you hear rejoicing… but no light comes to you. 10,000 questions fill your head and God knows and hears everyone… “where am I?” you scream in your mind “THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF GOD” He replies sternly. Another question forms instantly “why am I here?” “BECAUSE YOU DIED, MY APOSTLE TOLD YOU IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MAN ONCE TO DIE, AND THEN THE JUDGEMENT” thoughts of your family and friends tear through your mind, you’re filled with fear, worry, and wonder. A bright light appears in the room next to yours, then rejoicing is heard. Your thoughts betray you “what is that?!” God answers “NOT WHAT, BUT WHO.. THAT IS MY SON, THE DEFENDER OF THOSE HE KNOWS, HE TOLD YOU THAT HE DID NOT COME TO JUDGE THE WORLD BUT SAVE IT” “who is your son?” your think… silence.. in all around not a sound is made… you feel as if all eyes are on you, the only sound is a sobbing, a sorrow fills the air greater than before… and then “I TOLD YOU ABOUT HIM ON JUNE 1ST 1972, ON APRIL 30TH 1973, ON …..” As God names dates images flash across the walls in your room of people telling you about Christ, you remember each event, and how you felt.. how you hated to hear it. Excuses flood your mind…”there was no proof of you” your thoughts rebut God’s anger flares “PROOF!!!???? ” “WHAT PROOF DO YOU NEED? THAT YOU WERE ALIVE? DID YOU SEE THE SUNSET, THE MOON AND STARS THE SUN?! DID YOU SEE THEM WITH THE EYES I MADE FOR YOU? DID YOU BREATHE WITH THE LUNGS I FORMED FOR YOU?!” you speak your first audible words…”b..bu…but evolution…” and before you can finish a sickening, wheezing, laugh permeates the room a putrid whisper fills your ear.. “another one” You see a sickly shadow, always just out of the light as if hidden by a great cloud.. always nearing the light, but never entering it. The sickly form slinks towards you.. vomiting your offenses to the Lord… “He’s a liar Lord, look at his life” the spectre hisses.. as he speaks images again fill the walls of every time you’ve lied… from leaving work without permission, to flattery, to a lie for personal gain… the monsters evil laugh rings loud as you bark out excuses for each situation…

without hesitation the beast continues “Your Son stated that whoever lusts has committed adultery in his heart, look at this ones past” again images flash across the room’s walls, private scenes of glances, lust, pornography are displayed for everyone to see.. Your excuses are deafening!! without second thought the devil hurls offenses against God and backs them up with scenes from your life. “He’s a murderer Lord!!” the king of demons wheezes… “you’re wrong you stated boldly and defiantly” his glare puts you in your place.. then scenes of times when you hated fill the room.. and the creature whispers…”Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”

You say “how could I have known through all the religions what was right?” the devil wheezes laughter and hell shouts victory “another one!!” he belches in delight, you stare at him bewildered, he states “My apostles are at work day and night, Throwing confusion in with the truth, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Taze Russell, Brigham Young, L.Ron Hubbard, and Charles Darwin!! Masters of my twisted truth – With new apostles on the rise soon Christianity will be outlawed by my apostles, just like prayer was taken out of schools.. and the gates of hell will flood because of my disciples of death ” the cackling is deafening…

Tears fall from your eyes as you realize you’ve lost the case… with great heaving sobs… you cry out “BUT LORD!!! HAVE MERCY, LOOK AT THE TIMES I HAVE DONE GOOD!!!” the devil whispers, almost giggling.. “no one is good, no not one – you’ve sinned against the Lord, His word shows your condemnation “..The wages of sin is death” there is no escape for you” ………..Then you remember, it all comes back like a flood… “JESUS!!! I NEED YOU JESUS!!!” the creature hurls backward as light illuminates the room, you squint your eyes to see the form of a man, the creature is in the corner cowering in fear, hissing like a caged beast at the Son of God! “Yes, you called on me?” you beg “Jesus, sweet savior, I am wrongly accused here, the devil has brought accusations against me, and I need you” and Jesus looks at you, with more love and compassion then ever and says “I tried to call you.. I had such plans for you, I watched you from afar, loved you from afar, I ensured you had the best job, friends and family, I showered you with the gift of life, and blessed you with times of happiness, and caused you to grow through times of pain, and turmoil, I have watched you grow into a strong man” then the Lord’s eye change, his temperament changes, and the beast is back at your side, his cold dead hands firmly around your arm… as he drags you away to eternal suffering you hear Jesus say “You denied me on earth, you believed I never existed though all the proof was there it wasn’t what you wanted, you wanted more, you wanted proof.. I tried to give you that proof with a personal relationship with me, I sent my servants to you several times, to beg you to come to know me… I smiled when I created you, I cried when you cried, I laughed when you laughed, but, in all that you used my name in vain, and I never hated you, you cursed me when things went wrong, and I never hated you, you through your actions drove the nails through my hands and heart hundreds of times, and I never hated you, as much as I love you….. I never knew you”

You see tears fall from His eyes as you sink into inky blackness.. just before your skin erupts into flames.. you realize that this morning was like any other day….. and now your spouse is a widow (or widower), your kids are without one parent, you’ve left problems behind on earth, you’re eternally in hell… and worse of all.. you’ve taught your kids and wife that there is no God.. You cry out knowing that they could follow you into hell..

Are you ready to die? Jesus is the only way to eternal life.. this story can be replayed hundreds of times with Buddha as the religion, Christian Science, or Mormonism as the religion.. but only the Jesus of the Bible can save you… It’s more than saying a prayer, it’s calling on His name, it’s building a relationship with Him, and learning His word.. Loving Him, giving it to Him, realizing that He alone can save you. Repent of your sins, confess them to God, and ask Jesus to forgive you, read the Bible, find a GOOD Bible believing church.. and have the Pastor pray with you, and for you..

Please please please don’t let this be you, Jesus isn’t a crutch, it takes more strength to stand for Jesus these days than it does to deny him…

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Posted by Tom